Readigrass

[jeffnsweep]

Hi all, I used to keep tortoises and African pygmy hedgehogs and used to use readigrass as a bedding and for the tortoises as an extra feed source. My question is would this be ok to use as bedding for piggies in their hides? If yes, can this also be a substitute for hay? I used to love the fresh smell from readigrass and how green and fresh it looked. If it can only be used as a bedding that's fine i then know to also still put in hay but if it can be replaced with hay and used as a food source too even better . As the bottom layer i will still use wood shavings (not sawdust) to soak up the moisture as i know the readigrass will go damp and mouldy quite quickly if used just to soak up urine thanks in advance x

 

[HansPiggies]

Hi in short yes, but as you said it wouldn't soak up much urine and wood shavings would be best to use. They can also eat it mine love it but I just use it occasionally, as well as hay. I don't know the exact percentages but because it says it's good for the development of skeletal system I seem to think it is higher in Calcium than hay therefore good for growing piggies but for full grown I'd feed it alongside Timothy or Meadow hay

 

[jeffnsweep]

That's an absolutely brilliant answer thank you. I think I will go to the option of using it in the hides to nibble on if wanted and change it on a daily basis, still add hay and continue to use the shavings to soak up urine. Thank you for the advice with regards to the calcium levels you have been really helpful xx

 

[HansPiggies]

That's an absolutely brilliant answer thank you. I think I will go to the option of using it in the hides to nibble on if wanted and change it on a daily basis, still add hay and continue to use the shavings to soak up urine. Thank you for the advice with regards to the calcium levels you have been really helpful xx

You're welcome, glad to be of help!

 

[helen105281]

I agree it is very high in calcium and should only be fed in moderation. It should also not be fed to pigs with bladder issues like Interstitial cystitis as it is too rich.